Electronic Device, Control Method, and Storage Medium

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, a control method, and a storage medium.

The Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (USB PD) standard is a power supply standard that uses a connector and a cable that conform to the USB Type-C standard. In recent years, USB PD is widely used for power supply to such portable electronic devices as digital cameras and smartphones. The latest USB PD standard enables a supply of electric power of up to 240 W, and is adopted in electronic devices that require a large amount of electric power.

Meanwhile, the Type-C connector and cable come unplugged more easily than a general power source connector. Therefore, there is a possibility that the cable is unplugged unintentionally during USB PD power supply, and the power supply is thus interrupted. The occurrence of the unintentional interruption of a power source in an electronic device can possibly lead to a loss of data that is currently being processed.

International Publication No. 2020/129303 discloses a technique related to an image capturing apparatus including an electric power supply terminal that supplies electric power via a USB cable. With the image capturing apparatus of International Publication No. 2020/129303, operation of an image capturing unit is enabled by electric power from the electric power supply terminal in a case where a battery is attached thereto, and operation of the image capturing unit is not enabled by electric power from the electric power supply terminal in a case where a battery is not attached thereto.

With the image capturing apparatus of International Publication No. 2020/129303, operation of the image capturing unit is enabled by electric power from the electric power supply terminal in a case where a battery that is usable as a backup power source is attached thereto. Therefore, data loss can be prevented even if the power source is unintentionally interrupted due to unplugging of the USB cable. However, in a case where a battery is not attached, operation of the image capturing unit is not enabled even if sufficient electric power can be supplied via the USB cable, thereby impairing convenience for the user.

According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, provided is a technique according to which, even in a situation where a battery is not available as a backup power source, if a plurality of power supply apparatuses are connected to an electronic device, a functional unit can be supplied with power from one of the power supply apparatuses.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device comprising: a first connector; a second connector; and at least one processor and/or at least one circuit which functions as: a selection unit configured to select a battery as a power source that supplies power to a functional circuit of the electronic device; and a control unit configured to, in a case where a first power supply apparatus is connected to the first connector in a situation where a second power supply apparatus is not connected to the second connector, control the selection unit to switch the power source from the battery to the first power supply apparatus, wherein in a case where a remaining amount of the battery is not greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the control unit performs control such that the power source is not switched from the battery to the first power supply apparatus by the selection unit even in a case where the first power supply apparatus is connected to the first connector in a situation where the second power supply apparatus is not connected to the second connector, and the control unit performs control such that the power source is switched from the battery to the first power supply apparatus or the second power supply apparatus in a case where the first power supply apparatus is connected to the first connector and furthermore the second power supply apparatus is connected to the second connector.

Features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. The following description of embodiments is described by way of example.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Multiple features are described in the embodiments, but it is not the case that all such features are required, and multiple such features may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

1 FIG. 100 101 102 100 100 is a schematic diagram for describing exemplary connection between an electronic deviceand power supply apparatusesand. The present embodiment will be described under the assumption that the electronic deviceis an electronic device capable of operating as a digital video camera. However, the electronic deviceis not limited to an electronic device capable of operating as a digital video camera, and may be an electronic device like a smartphone or a personal computer.

101 102 101 102 Also, the present embodiment will be described under the assumption that the power supply apparatusesandare power supply apparatuses capable of operating as power banks capable of supplying electric power with the USB PD. However, the power supply apparatusesandare not limited to power banks, and may be power supply apparatuses that connect to a commercial power source and supply electric power received from the commercial power source, or may be any type of power supply apparatuses capable of supplying electric power under any power supply standard, including the USB PD.

100 101 102 100 101 102 104 105 The electronic deviceand the power supply apparatusesandinclude connectors (not shown) conforming to the USB Type-C standard. The electronic devicecan connect to the power supply apparatusesandvia USB Type-C cablesand.

101 102 100 104 105 101 102 100 The power supply apparatusesandconform to the USB PD standard, and can supply electric power to the electronic devicevia the USB Type-C cablesand. The power supply apparatusesandsupply electric power that is required for operation of the electronic device.

103 100 100 103 100 103 100 A batterycapable of supplying electric power that is required for operation of the electronic deviceis attached to the electronic device. The batteryis a lithium-ion battery, and is accommodated inside a housing of the electronic device. The batteryis configured to be removable from the electronic device.

2 FIG. 100 100 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 100 103 100 is a schematic configuration diagram of the electronic device. The electronic deviceincludes a processor unit, an image capturing unit, a display unit, an operation input unit, a temperature sensor unit, a connection unit, a connection unit, a power source switching unit, a memory unit, a storage medium unit, and a power source circuit unit. Also, the electronic deviceincludes the batterythat is attachable to and removable from the electronic device.

200 100 208 The processor unitexecutes various types of processing for input/output data and controls configuration blocks of the electronic deviceby executing programs stored in the memory unit.

201 200 201 202 209 The image capturing unitincludes a lens unit and an image sensor, and generates image data from an optical image of a subject formed on an image plane of the image sensor via the lens unit. The processor unitexecutes predetermined processing, such as image processing and encoding processing, with respect to the image data generated by the image capturing unit. The image data for which the predetermined processing has been executed is displayed on the display unit, or recorded into the storage medium unit, as shot data.

200 202 202 209 100 Under control of the processor unit, the display unitdisplays shot data to enable a user to check a subject that is currently shot. Also, the display unitreproduces and displays shot data stored in the storage medium unit, and displays various types of setting information of the electronic device.

203 100 200 203 The operation input unitis a user interface that is intended for the user to operate the electronic device. The processor unitexecutes various types of processing based on the user's operation input to the operation input unit.

204 100 200 204 200 208 200 100 The temperature sensor unitdetects a temperature of each configuration block of the electronic device. The processor unitobtains a temperature detected by the temperature sensor unitas temperature information, and executes various types of processing. For example, the processor unitdetermines whether it is necessary to stop operation due to a temperature increase based on the difference between an upper limit operation temperature, which is stored in the memory unitin advance, and the detected temperature. When the detected temperature has reached the upper limit operation temperature, the processor unitstops operation of the electronic device.

101 205 101 205 101 207 205 206 205 In a case where the power supply apparatushas been connected via the USB Type-C cable, the connection unitreceives electric power supplied from the power supply apparatusin accordance with the USB PD standard. The connection unitoutputs a VBUS voltage supplied from the power supply apparatusto the power source switching unit. The details of the configuration of the connection unitwill be described later. The connection unitis configured in the same manner as the connection unit.

103 207 103 The batteryis a lithium-ion battery, and outputs a battery voltage to the power source switching unit. The details of the configuration of the batterywill be described later.

200 207 205 206 103 210 Under control of the processor unit, the power source switching unitselects one of the respective VBUS voltages input from the connection unitsandand the battery voltage input from the battery, and outputs the selected voltage to the power source circuit unit.

208 200 200 208 100 The memory unitis a memory that stores programs executed by the processor unit, and various types of information that are used in various types of processing in the processor unit. The memory unitstores not only programs, but also, for example, reference data used in image processing, pieces of consumed electric power information for respective operation modes, operation mode information, image data for notifying the user of the state of the electronic device, and so forth.

209 200 The storage medium unitis a storage medium that stores image data encoded by the processor unit; for example, an SD memory card or the like is used thereas.

210 100 210 207 210 The power source circuit unitis a power source circuit that supplies power to each configuration block of the electronic device. The power source circuit unitconverts a voltage input from the power source switching unitinto a voltage required in each configuration block. The power source circuit unitis provided with a plurality of power source circuits depending on a voltage value required in each configuration block.

205 206 103 207 3 FIG. Next, the configurations of the connection unitsand, the battery, and the power source switching unitwill be described with reference to.

205 308 305 205 206 309 306 103 307 The connection unitincludes an IF unitand a communication control unit. Similarly to the connection unit, the connection unitincludes an IF unitand a communication control unit. The batteryincludes a battery communication unitin addition to the lithium-ion battery.

308 101 104 The IF unitis a connector conforming to the USB Type-C standard, and connects to the power supply apparatusvia the USB Type-C cable.

305 308 305 101 305 101 200 The communication control unitis connected to a Configuration Channel (CC) terminal of the IF unit, and operates as a USB PD communication control circuit that performs communication conforming to the USB PD standard (hereinafter, CC communication). The communication control unitdetects connection of the power supply apparatusin CC communication. Also, in CC communication, the communication control unitdetects a combination of voltage and current that can be supplied by the connected power supply apparatus, and notifies the processor unitof the detection result.

305 101 200 305 101 101 308 207 The communication control unitcan perform a negotiation of power supply with the power supply apparatus(hereinafter referred to as “power negotiation”). Under control of the processor unit, the communication control unitperforms the power negotiation with the connected power supply apparatusso that desired power of a desired voltage is supplied from the power supply apparatus. The voltage input via a VBUS terminal of the IF unit(hereinafter, a VBUS voltage) is output to the power source switching unit.

309 306 308 305 An IF unitand a communication control unitare configured in the same manner as the IF unitand the communication control unit.

200 307 200 103 207 200 103 307 Under control of the processor unit, the battery communication unitoutputs information of a remaining battery amount of the lithium-ion battery to the processor unit. The batteryoutputs a battery voltage to the power source switching unit. Note that the processor unitmay detect a remaining battery amount based on a discharge voltage of the battery, rather than information of a remaining battery amount from the battery communication unit.

200 207 205 206 103 210 207 103 210 As stated earlier, under control of the processor unit, the power source switching unitselects one of the respective VBUS voltages input from the connection unitsandand the battery voltage input from the battery, and outputs the selected voltage to the power source circuit unit. Under an initial setting, the power source switching unitselects the battery voltage input from the batteryand outputs the same to the power source circuit unit.

103 308 309 207 210 103 207 200 In a case where the remaining amount of the batteryis greater than or equal to a predetermined amount and the power supply apparatus connected to one of the IF unitsandis inputting the VBUS voltage after the power negotiation, the power source switching unitswitches the selected voltage from the battery voltage to the VBUS voltage, and outputs the VBUS voltage to the power source circuit unit. Meanwhile, in a case where the remaining amount of the batteryis not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, the power source switching unitdoes not switch from the battery voltage to the VBUS voltage under control of the processor unit.

103 100 200 307 103 103 100 103 200 200 103 103 103 100 103 103 100 207 308 309 In a case where the batteryis not attached to the electronic device, the processor unitcannot communicate with the battery communication unit, and cannot obtain information of the remaining amount of the battery. Also, in a case where the batteryis not attached to the electronic device, the discharge voltage of the batterydetected by the processor unitis 0 V. In a case where the processor unitcannot communicate with the batteryor the discharge voltage of the batteryis 0 V in the foregoing manner, it is considered that the batteryis not attached to the electronic device. In a case where the remaining amount of the batteryis not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, or in a case where the batteryis not attached to the electronic device, the power source switching unitselects a VBUS voltage when the power supply apparatuses are connected to both of the IF unitsandand each power supply apparatus inputs a VBUS voltage after the power negotiation.

103 101 102 207 103 Also, in a case where two or more of the battery, the power supply apparatus, and the power supply apparatusinput a VBUS voltage, when a voltage supply from a power supply apparatus that is currently selected has been interrupted, the power source switching unitselects a voltage from another power supply apparatus or the battery.

101 102 308 309 207 305 306 207 207 101 102 The interruption of the supply of electric power from the power supply apparatusor the power supply apparatusis presumed to be caused by discontinuation of connection to the power supply apparatus connected to the IF unitor the IF unit. The power source switching unitmay detect the interruption of the supply of electric power via the communication control unitsand. Alternatively, the power source switching unitmay be provided with a voltage detection circuit that detects the VBUS voltage of each power supply apparatus, and the power source switching unitmay detect the interruption of the supply of electric power from the power supply apparatusorwhen the VBUS voltage has become smaller than a predetermined reference voltage.

200 103 100 308 309 207 210 210 200 200 The processor unithas two operation modes: a standby mode and a normal operation mode. When the batteryhas been attached to the electronic deviceor a power supply apparatus has been connected to one of the IF unitsand, the power source switching unituses the power source circuit unitto convert a battery voltage or a VBUS voltage (5 V) into a power source voltage (e.g., 3.3 V) required in the standby mode. The power source circuit unitsupplies electric power to the processor unitat the post-conversion voltage. As a result, the processor unitis activated in the standby mode.

200 305 306 307 207 203 The processor unitcan perform the aforementioned control of the communication control unitsand, battery communication unit, and power source switching unit, as well as detection of inputting of a user operation to the operation input unit, also in the standby mode.

210 100 200 When the output of the power source circuit unithas been input as a power source to each configuration block of the electronic device, the processor unitis switched to the normal operation mode.

200 305 306 307 207 203 100 200 Note that in the foregoing description, it is assumed that the processor unitperforms the aforementioned control of the communication control unitsand, battery communication unit, and power source switching unit, as well as detection of inputting of a user operation to the operation input unit. However, the electronic devicemay include a different processor for performing such control and detection of inputting of a user operation, separately from the processor unit.

103 103 100 308 309 100 200 200 207 200 Note that in a case where the remaining amount of the batteryis not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, or the batteryis not attached to the electronic device, when the power supply apparatuses have been connected to both of the IF unitsandand each power supply apparatus has input the VBUS voltage after the power negotiation, the VBUS voltage from one of the power supply apparatuses is selected and input to each configuration block of the electronic device. In this way, the processor unitcan operate in the normal operation mode. In a case where the supply of electric power has been interrupted due to, for example, unplugging of the USB Type-C cable that supplies the selected VBUS voltage while the processor unitoperates in the normal operation mode, the power source switching unitswitches the selected voltage to the VBUS voltage of the other power supply apparatus. In this case, the processor unitmay notify the user of the possibility that electric power may be interrupted.

4 FIG.A 4 FIG.C 100 200 208 toare flowcharts of operations of the electronic deviceaccording to the first embodiment. Processing of each step in the present flowcharts is realized by the processor unitexecuting programs stored in the memory unit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

103 100 205 206 308 309 103 100 205 206 207 207 210 207 It is assumed that, before the present flowcharts are started, the batteryis not attached to the electronic device. Also, it is assumed that a power supply apparatus is connected to neither of the connection unitsand(to be more exact, the IF unitsand). When the batteryhas been attached to the electronic device, or a power supply apparatus has been connected to one of the connection unitsand, a voltage is input to the power source switching unit. The power source switching unitincludes an internal processor (not shown), and this processor enables various types of processing and control to be executed; for example, this processor enables detection of inputting of a power source, and switching of a selected voltage to be input to the power source circuit unit. When the power source switching unithas detected inputting of the voltage, processing of the present flowcharts is started.

400 207 200 400 207 103 100 207 103 103 207 103 103 100 103 103 103 100 401 103 205 206 415 Processing of step Sis executed by the power source switching unit. At this point, the processor unitis not activated. In step S, the power source switching unitdetermines whether the batteryis attached to the electronic device. The power source switching unitdetects that the batteryis attached based on, for example, the discharge voltage from the battery. For example, the power source switching unitdetermines whether the discharge voltage of the batteryis larger than 0 V, and determines that the batteryis attached to the electronic devicein a case where the discharge voltage of the batteryis larger than 0 V. In a case where the batteryis attached (i.e., in a case where processing of the present flowcharts has been started in response to attachment of the batteryto the electronic device), processing proceeds to step S. In a case where the batteryis not attached (i.e., in a case where processing of the present flowcharts has been started in response to connection of a power supply apparatus to one of the connection unitsand), processing proceeds to step S.

401 207 103 200 210 207 103 200 201 100 200 103 In step S, the power source switching unitperforms control to supply a battery voltage input from the batteryto the processor unitvia the power source circuit unit. In other words, the power source switching unitselects the batteryas a power source that supplies electric power to functional units (the processor unit, the image capturing unit, and the like) of the electronic device. Upon detecting inputting of the voltage, the processor unitis activated in the standby mode with use of electric power from the battery.

402 200 103 307 100 100 103 403 408 402 200 103 100 In step S, the processor unitdetermines whether the remaining amount of the batteryis greater than or equal to a predetermined amount based on information of a remaining battery amount obtained from the battery communication unit. The predetermined amount is, for example, an amount equivalent to a remaining battery amount that enables a supply of electric power required for the electronic deviceto operate in the normal operation mode. Alternatively, the predetermined amount may be an amount larger than a remaining battery amount that enables a supply of electric power required for the electronic deviceto operate in the normal operation mode. In a case where the remaining amount of the batteryis greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, processing proceeds to step S; otherwise, processing proceeds to step S. Note that in step S, the processor unitmay determine whether the discharge voltage of the batteryis greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage. In this case, the predetermined voltage is a voltage corresponding to a remaining battery amount that enables a supply of electric power required for the electronic deviceto operate in the normal operation mode.

403 200 308 309 308 309 404 406 In step S, the processor unitdetermines whether a power supply apparatus is connected to one of the IF unitsand. In a case where a power supply apparatus is connected to one of the IF unitsand, processing proceeds to step S; otherwise, processing proceeds to step S.

404 200 101 102 101 102 305 306 101 102 101 102 200 200 100 In step S, the processor unitexecutes the power negotiation for enabling reception of electric power at a predetermined current and a predetermined voltage with the connected power supply apparatus (power supply apparatusor power supply apparatus). In a case where one of the power supply apparatusand the power supply apparatusis connected, the power negotiation is performed via the communication control unit (communication control unitor communication control unit) corresponding to the connected power supply apparatus. Also, in a case where both of the power supply apparatusand the power supply apparatusare connected, the power negotiation is performed with each of the power supply apparatusesandvia the communication control units corresponding to both of the power supply apparatuses. In the power negotiation, the processor unitreceives, from the power supply apparatus, information (source capability) indicating one or more combinations of a voltage and a current that can be supplied by the power supply apparatus. The processor unitselects a desired combination of a voltage and a current from among the one or more combinations of a voltage and a current indicated by the source capability, and requests the power supply apparatus for the selected voltage and current. The desired combination of a voltage and a current is a combination of a predetermined voltage and a predetermined current that enable a supply of electric power required for the electronic deviceto operate in the normal operation mode, and is, for example, 15 V and 3 A (15 V×3 A=45 W).

200 207 207 210 308 309 100 103 In step S405, the processor unitcontrols the power source switching unitso that a selected voltage to be output from the power source switching unitto the power source circuit unitis switched from the battery voltage to a VBUS voltage of the power supply apparatus connected to one of the IF unitsandafter the power negotiation. As a result, the power source for the functional units of the electronic deviceis switched from the batteryto the power supply apparatus.

308 309 200 404 405 200 207 210 101 102 308 309 101 205 Note that in a case where the power supply apparatuses are connected to both of the IF unitsand, the processor unitmay perform the power negotiation with each power supply apparatus in step S. In this case, in step S, the processor unitperforms control so that the voltage to be output from the power source switching unitto the power source circuit unitis switched to the VBUS voltage of one of the power supply apparatusesandconnected to the IF unitsand(e.g., the power supply apparatus that was connected first) after the power negotiation. For example, the power supply apparatus that is selected as the power source here may be the power supply apparatus that was connected first, or may be the power supply apparatusconnected to the connection unitregardless of the order of connection of the power supply apparatuses.

406 200 100 203 200 406 407 In step S, the processor unitdetermines whether a power-on instruction for the electronic devicehas been issued through inputting of a user operation to the operation input unit. The processor unitrepeats the determination processing of step Suntil the power-on instruction is issued, and processing proceeds to step Swhen the power-on instruction has been issued.

308 309 200 403 100 406 403 404 405 308 309 103 Note that in a case where a power supply apparatus is connected to neither of the IF unitsand, the processor unitmay cause processing to return to step Swhen it has been determined that the power-on instruction for the electronic devicehas not been issued. In this case, even if processing has made a transition to step Safter it has been determined that the power supply apparatus is not connected in step S, processing of steps Sand Sis executed when the power supply apparatus has been connected to one of the IF unitsandbefore the power-on instruction is issued. As a result, the power source is switched from the batteryto the power supply apparatus before the power-on instruction is issued.

407 200 100 103 405 308 309 405 411 101 102 308 309 103 417 101 102 308 309 In step S, the processor unitexecutes activation processing in response to the power-on instruction for the electronic device, and starts operation in the normal operation mode. In a case where the remaining battery amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, the power source that is used for operation in the normal operation mode is the battery(in a case where processing of step Shas not been executed), or the power supply apparatus connected to one of the IF unitsand(in a case where processing of step Shas been executed). Also, in a case where the remaining battery amount is not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount and processing has proceeded by way of later-described step S, one of the power supply apparatusesandconnected to the IF unitsandis used as the power source. Furthermore, also in a case where the batteryis not attached and processing has proceeded by way of later-described step S, one of the power supply apparatusesandconnected to the IF unitsandis used as the power source.

402 200 308 309 408 200 408 308 309 409 In a case where it has been determined that the remaining battery amount is not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount in step S, the processor unitdetermines whether the power supply apparatus is connected to one of the IF unitsandin step S. The processor unitrepeats the determination processing of step Suntil the power supply apparatus is connected to one of the IF unitsand, and causes processing to proceed to step Swhen the power supply apparatus has been connected.

409 200 100 308 309 412 410 In step S, the processor unitdetermines whether a plurality of power supply apparatuses are connected to the electronic device(i.e., whether the power supply apparatuses are connected to both of the IF unitsand). In a case where the plurality of power supply apparatuses are connected, processing proceeds to step S; otherwise, processing proceeds to step S.

410 200 100 100 200 410 200 In step S, the processor unitprovides a user with a notification indicating that the electronic devicecannot be activated by a power supply from the power supply apparatus. Although a method of providing the notification to the user is not limited in particular, one example is a notification method that uses a power source status lamp (not shown) arranged on an external covering of the electronic device. For example, in a case where the power source has already been activated, the processor unitlights the power source status lamp in a specific color. On the other hand, in step S, the processor unitmay light the power source status lamp in a color different from a color of a case where the power source has already been activated, or may cause the power source status lamp to flash in a color that is the same as a color of a case where the power source has already been activated.

411 200 100 308 309 200 411 100 412 In step S, the processor unitdetermines whether the second power supply apparatus has been connected to the electronic device(i.e., whether a power supply apparatus has been newly connected to one of the IF unitsandto which a power supply apparatus was not connected). The processor unitrepeats the determination processing of step Suntil the second power supply apparatus is connected to the electronic device, and causes processing to proceed to step Swhen the second power supply apparatus has been connected.

412 200 101 102 100 404 In step S, the processor unitperforms the power negotiation with each of the two power supply apparatuses (power supply apparatusesand) connected to the electronic device. The details of the power negotiation with each power supply apparatus are similar to step S.

413 200 207 210 101 102 308 309 101 205 103 101 102 406 402 412 200 In step S, the processor unitperforms control so that the selected voltage to be output from the power source switching unitto the power source circuit unitis switched to the VBUS voltage of one of the power supply apparatusesandconnected to the IF unitsand(e.g., the power supply apparatus that was connected first) after the power negotiation. For example, the power supply apparatus that is selected as the power source here may be the power supply apparatus that was connected first, or may be the power supply apparatusconnected to the connection unitregardless of the order of connection of the power supply apparatuses. As a result, the power source is switched from the batteryto the power supply apparatus (power supply apparatusor power supply apparatus). Thereafter, processing makes a transition to step S. Note that even if the user has issued a power-on instruction from when it was determined that the remaining battery amount is not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount in step Sto when the power negotiation is completed in step S, the processor unitdoes not execute processing for operation in the normal operation mode under the power-on instruction, and maintains the standby mode.

103 100 400 415 308 309 200 415 207 308 309 200 210 200 In a case where it has been determined that the batteryis not attached to the electronic devicein step S, processing makes a transition to step S. In this case, a power supply apparatus is connected to one of the IF unitsand. At this point, the processor unitis not activated. In step S, the power source switching unitperforms control to supply a voltage input from the power supply apparatus connected to one of the IF unitsandto the processor unitvia the power source circuit unit. Upon detecting inputting of the voltage, the processor unitis activated in the standby mode with use of electric power from the power supply apparatus.

416 419 409 412 103 100 207 101 102 210 415 419 200 413 419 406 103 400 419 200 Processing of steps Sto Sis similar to the aforementioned steps Sto S. Note that in a case where the batteryis not attached to the electronic device, the power source switching unithas already selected a voltage of one of the power supply apparatusand the power supply apparatusas a voltage to be output to the power source circuit unitat the time of step S. For this reason, following step S, the processor unitneed not execute processing corresponding to step S. Therefore, processing makes a transition from step Sto step S. Also, even if the user has issued a power-on instruction from when it was determined that the batteryis not attached in step Sto when the power negotiation is completed in step S, the processor unitdoes not execute processing for operation in the normal operation mode under the power-on instruction, and maintains the standby mode.

407 100 101 102 308 309 200 207 100 103 In the normal operation mode of step S, in a case where connection between the power supply apparatus used as the power source and the electronic deviceis disconnected in a state where one of the power supply apparatusesandconnected to the IF unitsandis used as the power source, the processor unitcontrols the power source switching unitto switch the power source of the electronic deviceto the batteryor the other power supply apparatus.

101 102 103 405 200 207 103 103 100 103 200 400 4 FIG. For example, in a case where one of the power supply apparatusand the power supply apparatusis connected and the power source was switched from the batteryto the power supply apparatus in step S, if connection of the power supply apparatus is disconnected, the processor unitcontrols the power source switching unitto use the batteryas the power source. In this case, the batteryis selected as the power source of the electronic device, and processing of the normal operation mode is continued. If connection of the power supply apparatus that is currently used as the power source is disconnected, the batteryis used as a backup power source. Then, when the user has issued a power-off instruction, the processor unitis placed in the standby mode, and processing is repeated from step Sof.

101 102 103 101 102 405 200 100 Note that in a case where both of the power supply apparatusesandare connected and the power source was switched from the batteryto one of the power supply apparatusesandin step S, if connection of this power supply apparatus is disconnected, the processor unitmay select the other power supply apparatus as the power source of the electronic device.

101 102 413 419 200 207 101 102 103 103 101 102 200 400 4 FIG. Also, in a case where one of the power supply apparatusesandwas selected as the power source in step Sor Sand connection of the selected power supply apparatus is disconnected, the processor unitcontrols the power source switching unitto use the other power supply apparatus as the power source. In this case, one of the power supply apparatusesandis selected as the power source and processing of the normal operation mode is continued in a state where the remaining amount of the batteryis not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount or the batteryis not attached. If connection of one of the power supply apparatusesandthat was selected as the power source is disconnected in the normal operation mode, the other power supply apparatus is used as the backup power source. Then, when the user has issued a power-off instruction, the processor unitis placed in the standby mode, and processing is repeated from step Sof.

100 200 201 103 101 102 100 205 101 206 102 101 205 103 401 102 206 100 103 101 405 103 100 103 101 101 205 102 206 410 103 101 102 205 206 100 103 101 102 413 As described above, according to the first embodiment, the electronic deviceincludes functional units (the processor unit, the image capturing unit, and the like) that are powered by electric power supplied from the battery, the power supply apparatus(an external first power supply apparatus), or the power supply apparatus(an external second power supply apparatus). The electronic devicealso includes the connection unit(a first connection unit) connectable to the power supply apparatus, and a connection unit(a second connection unit) connectable to the power supply apparatus. In a case where the power supply apparatushas been connected to the connection unitin a situation where the batteryhas been selected as a power source that supplies electric power to the functional units (step S) and the power supply apparatusis not connected to the connection unit, the electronic deviceperforms control to switch the power source for the functional units from the batteryto the power supply apparatus(step S). Then, it executes processing for operation in the normal operation mode in response to a user's power-on instruction. However, in a case where the remaining amount of the batteryis not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, the electronic devicerefrains from performing control to switch the power source for the functional units from the batteryto the power supply apparatus, even when the power supply apparatushas been connected to the connection unitin a situation where the power supply apparatusis not connected to the connection unit(step S). Then, even if a user has issued a power-on instruction, it does not execute processing for operation in the normal operation mode. Furthermore, in a case where the remaining amount of the batteryis not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, when the power supply apparatusand the power supply apparatushave been respectively connected to the connection unitand the connection unit, the electronic deviceperforms control to switch the power source for the functional units from the batteryto the power supply apparatusor the power supply apparatus(step S). Then, it executes processing for operation in the normal operation mode in response to a user's power-on instruction.

103 103 101 102 100 In the foregoing manner, in the present embodiment, even in a situation where the remaining amount of the batteryis not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount (the batteryis not usable as the backup power source), electric power can be supplied from a power supply apparatus to the functional units by the user connecting a plurality of power supply apparatuses (power supply apparatusand power supply apparatus) to the electronic device. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, convenience for the user can be improved while lowering the possibility of the occurrence of a data loss in a case where a power supply apparatus is unintentionally disconnected.

103 100 100 103 100 Note that there may be a case where the user has taken sufficient measures against unplugging of the USB Type-C cables, and a case where the user can tolerate a data loss caused by the interruption of the power source. In such cases, even when the remaining amount of the batteryis smaller than the predetermined amount and only one power supply apparatus is connected to the electronic device, there is a possibility that the user wishes to supply electric power from the power supply apparatus to the functional units. In view of this, the electronic devicemay be configured to, even when the remaining amount of the batteryis smaller than the predetermined amount and only one power supply apparatus is connected to the electronic device, perform control to switch the power source from the battery to the power supply apparatus in a case where the user has issued a predetermined instruction.

100 100 103 100 In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a power supply apparatus capable of supplying a combination of a predetermined voltage and a predetermined current requested by the electronic deviceis connected and the power negotiation with the power supply apparatus is completed. However, the combination of a voltage and a current that can be supplied varies depending on a power supply apparatus. Therefore, there is a case where a power supply apparatus that cannot supply a combination of a predetermined voltage and a predetermined current requested by the electronic deviceis connected, and the power negotiation with the power supply apparatus is not completed (the power negotiation fails). In a case where the remaining amount of the batteryis not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, even if a plurality of power supply apparatuses have been connected to the electronic device, the possibility of a data loss caused by the unintentional interruption of the power source cannot be sufficiently lowered when the power negotiation has succeeded only with one power supply apparatus.

100 In view of this, a second embodiment will be described in relation to a configuration for addressing a case where the power negotiation has failed. In the present embodiment, a basic configuration of the electronic deviceis similar to that of the first embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

5 FIG.A 5 FIG.C 100 200 208 toare flowcharts of operations of the electronic deviceaccording to the second embodiment. Processing of each step in the present flowcharts is realized by the processor unitexecuting programs stored in the memory unit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

500 200 101 102 404 100 404 100 4 FIG.A 4 FIG.A In step S, the processor unitperforms the power negotiation with the connected power supply apparatus (power supply apparatusor power supply apparatus), similarly to step Sof. In a case where information (source capability) indicating one or more combinations of a voltage and a current that can be supplied, which is received from the power supply apparatus, includes a combination of a predetermined voltage and a predetermined current requested by the electronic device, the power negotiation succeeds (is completed normally) through processing described in step Sof. On the other hand, in a case where this information (source capability) does not include the combination of the predetermined voltage and the predetermined current requested by the electronic device, the power negotiation fails.

501 200 405 502 In step S, the processor unitdetermines whether the power negotiation has succeeded. In a case where the power negotiation has succeeded, processing proceeds to step S; in a case where the power negotiation has failed, processing proceeds to step S.

502 200 100 203 406 200 502 503 4 FIG.A In step S, the processor unitdetermines whether a power-on instruction for the electronic devicehas been issued through inputting of a user operation to the operation input unit, similarly to step Sof. The processor unitrepeats the determination processing of step Suntil the power-on instruction is issued, and causes processing to proceed to step Swhen the power-on instruction has been issued.

503 200 100 In step S, the processor unitexecutes activation processing in response to the power-on instruction for the electronic device, and starts operation in the normal operation mode.

504 200 100 200 202 In step S, the processor unitprovides the user with a notification indicating that electric power cannot be supplied from the connected power supply apparatus, and that the electronic deviceoperates using electric power from the battery. Although a notification method is not limited in particular, the processor unitcan, for example, display the content of the notification on the display unit.

505 200 100 101 102 412 404 500 4 FIG.B 4 FIG.A In step S, the processor unitperforms the power negotiation with each of the two power supply apparatuses connected to the electronic device(power supply apparatusesand), similarly to step Sof. The details of the power negotiation with each power supply apparatus are similar to step Sof. Also, the success and failure of the power negotiation are as described in step S.

506 200 101 102 413 507 In step S, the processor unitdetermines whether the power negotiation has succeeded with each power supply apparatus (the power supply apparatusesand). In a case where the power negotiation has succeeded with each power supply apparatus (both of the two power supply apparatuses), processing proceeds to step S. In a case where the power negotiation has failed with at least one of the two power supply apparatuses, processing proceeds to step S.

507 200 100 200 100 410 200 410 200 4 FIG.B In step S, the processor unitprovides the user with a notification indicating that the power source of the electronic devicecannot be activated by a power supply from the power supply apparatuses. Although a method of providing the notification to the user is not limited in particular, the processor unitmay provide the notification with use of, for example, a power source status lamp (not shown) arranged on an external covering of the electronic device, similarly to step Sof. Also, the processor unitmay provide the user with a notification indicating that the power negotiation has failed by causing the power source status lamp to emit light in a lighting pattern different from that of the case of step S. Furthermore, the processor unitmay use different lighting patterns between a case where the power negotiation has failed with both of the two power supply apparatuses and a case where the power negotiation has failed with one of the two power supply apparatuses.

508 200 100 101 102 200 508 100 101 102 411 In step S, the processor unitdetermines whether one of the power supply apparatuses connected to the electronic device(the power supply apparatusesand) has been disconnected. The processor unitrepeats the determination processing of step Suntil one of the power supply apparatuses connected to the electronic device(the power supply apparatusesand) is disconnected, and causes processing to return to step Swhen one of the power supply apparatuses is disconnected.

509 512 505 508 Processing of steps Sto Sis similar to the aforementioned steps Sto S.

103 103 101 102 101 102 100 507 As described above, in a case where the remaining amount of the batteryis smaller than the predetermined amount, the second embodiment refrains from performing control to switch the power source from the batteryto the power supply apparatusor the power supply apparatuswhen the power negotiation has failed with at least one of the power supply apparatus(external first power supply apparatus) and the power supply apparatus(external second power supply apparatus) that are connected to the electronic device(step S).

Therefore, the second embodiment can lower the possibility of a data loss caused by the unintentional interruption of electric power while ensuring convenience for the user.

198 Embodiment(s) of the present disclosure can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-050556, filed Mar. 25, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.